The Fire Danger Period (FDP) will finish at 1.00am on Monday, 15 April in the following municipalities in CFA’s Districts 16 and 17:
- Rural City of Ararat
- Pyrenees
- Northern Grampians
- Hindmarsh Shire
- West Wimmera Shire
- Horsham Rural City
While restrictions are lifting in these areas, CFA still expects the grassfire risk to remain across the state so Victorians need to remain alert and prepared.
CFA District 17 Assistant Chief Fire Officer Mark Gunning said that weather has abated to a point where CFA will ease restrictions on the use of fire.
“There are parts of the district that remain dry and anyone who lights a fire is responsible to ensure that fire does not endanger the property, or person of others”, he said.
“We’re urging everyone to stay safe, whether you’re living in or travelling to high bushfire risk areas.
“Please monitor the conditions on hot, dry and windy days, as we may still see some days of elevated fire risk.”
CFA District 16 Assistant Chief Fire Officer Archie Conroy said after last week’s rain, autumn weather has arrived with overnight moisture and damp mornings reducing the fire risk in the areas around Ararat, Stawell and St Arnaud.
“We’re urging everyone to stay safe, whether you’re living in or travelling to high bushfire risk areas.
“Please monitor the conditions on hot, dry and windy days, as we may still see some days of elevated fire risk.”
The end of the Fire Danger Period (FDP) will be an opportunity for some landowners to burn-off again, however it’s important that residents check that local conditions are safe before undertaking these activities.
“You must register your burn-offs, check weather conditions and follow local council laws and regulations,” ACFO Conroy said.
“Registering your burn-off ensures that if smoke or fire is reported, the incident is cross-checked with our register, which prevents firefighters from unnecessarily responding.”
“When conducting burn-offs, remain alert and always have resources on hand to extinguish the fire.
Landowners can register their burn-off online at www.firepermits.vic.gov.au or call 1800 668 511.
If possible, landowners should also notify their neighbours and others nearby who may be sensitive to smoke so they can take necessary precautions.
Tips for looking after your health when there is smoke can be found on EPA’s website.
Keep your burn off safe and legal:
- Check fire restrictions in your area and always register your burn at www.firepermits.vic.gov.au.
- Check and monitor weather conditions – particularly wind.
- To avoid unnecessary calls to emergency services, notify your neighbours beforehand.
- Leave a three-metre fire break, free from flammable materials around the burn.
- Have sufficient equipment and water to stop the fire spreading.
- Never leave a burn-off unattended – stay for its entire duration.
- If your burn-off gets out of control, call ‘000’ immediately.
- Tips for looking after your health when there is smoke can be found on EPA’s website
